This course provides students with a broad survey of important issues in the study of comparative politics and allows them to gain understanding of world politics and political systems and to compare issues and structures on a global level. Students conduct in-depth studies of individual countries and examine how local issues have a worldwide impact. Each country study applies a theoretical framework to explore broad issues like why some countries modernize more quickly or why some are more democratic. Additionally, students explore the impact of politics on individual, group, national, and global levels. Throughout the semester, students study political institutions and processes and think critically about the consequences of public policies. Major topics include: political systems; Special Interest Groups; Authoritarian Party Systems; Community Building; and International Interactions. Evaluation criteria include: required readings, essay assignments, class participation, and final exam.